President Obama has approved a request by Governor Chafee that Kent County be added to the list of counties declared a disaster area in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Chafee has announced.
In order to add Kent, the governor amended his previous request that three counties -- Bristol, Newport and Washington -- be declared disaster areas.
The designation means that eligible municipalities, state agencies and nonprofit organizations may apply for federal money to repair storm-damaged buildings and infrastructure or for projects to mitigate effects from future storms.
Theresa C. Murray, executive director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, said the state's goal is to get as much assistance for the state as possible.
Disaster assessment field teams continue to travel the state, estimating damage costs.